While Prohibition is long gone and there are bars aplenty all across the DMV, there's something sexy about heading below ground or behind a cleverly concealed entryway to sip fancy drinks inside lively spaces. Cocktail fans may be familiar with some of the area's longstanding hideaways (The Gibson, PX), but there are a few new spots where one can still enjoy an air of exclusivity.

— Updated by Erin Williams

Have another favorite speakeasy in D.C.? Share in the comments below or sound off via email (dc@eater.com).

1. The Sheppard

This speakeasy is named after late Texas Sen. Morris Sheppard, who authored the law banning alcohol in the nation’s capital. There's no need for reservations for the 35-seat space, but large parties are advised to call ahead. In order to find the space, simply walk into the lobby and take the elevator up to the second level.

2. The Gibson

From the outside, this low-key establishment doesn’t seem to exist as there’s no clear signage to lead the way. Once inside, the space is warm and hospitable with a wide range of cocktails sporting names like “Boi Bye” and “The Man I Forgot I Loved.”

3. Harold Black

This 1920s-style speakeasy above Acqua Al 2 in Eastern Market is super hush-hush— drinkers have to know it's there. There's seating for around 30 inside. The menu features light fare like charcuterie and sweets like cheesecake.

4. Dram and Grain

Some walk-in traffic is welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays (first come, first serve), but the best way to claim one of the 20 seats at Jack Rose's underground cocktail haven is to work the phones (202-607-1572) and book a reservation. Each seating time is limited to two-and-a-half hours.

5. Denson Liquor Bar

Across the street from a fire station, one is able to find an old-school cocktail bar tucked away in the lower level of 600 F Street NW. The dimly lit, intimate space offers an array of whiskies and cocktails that are either shaken or stirred. Expect prices at or around $14.
It opens at 4:30 p.m.. Monday through Saturday, with a full dinner menu served until 11:30 p.m.; closing times vary.

6. PX

A blue light indicates this iconic Alexandria speakeasy is open for business. Once inside, kick back and allow founder Todd Thrasher and his team of drink gurus to lead a flavorful journey featuring vintage cocktails, seasonal punches, and sparkling surprises. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.

7. Captain Gregory's

This Alexandria speakeasy has a hidden entrance inside sister restaurant Sugar Shack Donuts. Find the 24-seat space (hint: the door is covered by wooden paneling) but expect to only be able to stay for a couple of hours. Reservations can be made ahead of time for up to six people on OpenTable; walk-ins often end up on a wait list and are contacted when a table opens up.

8. Elixir Bar

Located within Barrel on Capitol Hill, this serious cocktail destination prides itself on being a speakeasy without the hurdles or hassles. Find drinks priced in the $12-$14 range. It opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 10:30 a.m. on weekends.

9. Reading Room at Petworth Citizen

Bring a book to this weekend gathering, where bartender Chantal Tseng creates beverages inspired by featured authors and literary themes. Recent offerings include the sherry-, vermouth-, and orange oil-laced Alfonsa’s Manipulation inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s The Border Trilogy, and Sal’s Aunt, a gin-fueled tipple inspired by Jack Kerouac’s On The Road.

10. Backroom at Capo Deli

See a bright red light above the door to a faux walk-in freezer at Capo Deli? That means the invite-only Backroom bar is doing its thing. Food orders are filled by the companion deli, while cocktail offerings include signature offerings such as the coffee liqueur-, melon- and brown sugar-fueled Blue Mountain Bell.

When the red light is on, the Backroom bar is open. Photo by Kim T. / Yelp

11. Left Door

Even those familiar with Logan Circle may have missed this sliver-sized bar specializing in cocktails such as the "Lola Sour" (campari, tequila, volcanic sea salt), and "Release the Kraken!" (tequila, lemon, honey).

12. Chicken and Whiskey

“Hidden” behind a fake freezer door, customers can enjoy one of the many choice whiskies served inside the 50 person bar after 5 p.m. Prices range from $7 for a pour of Evan Williams Black to $28 for a Glen Scotia Victoriana single malt.

13. The Alex

Hidden beneath Georgetown’s Graham hotel, this swanky enclosure is only accessible by a typed code, given to guests upon arriving for their reservation. Live jazz fills the air on weekends, while bartenders whip up drinks including gin-and-tonics served in tiny porcelain bathtubs, sake-vodka coolers, and a cure-all ginger/honey/Scotch concoction dubbed "Penicillin."

1. The Sheppard

1337 Connecticut Ave NW Fl 2, Washington, D.C. 20036

Photo: The Sheppard

This speakeasy is named after late Texas Sen. Morris Sheppard, who authored the law banning alcohol in the nation’s capital. There's no need for reservations for the 35-seat space, but large parties are advised to call ahead. In order to find the space, simply walk into the lobby and take the elevator up to the second level.

2. The Gibson

2009 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20003

Photo: The Gibson

From the outside, this low-key establishment doesn’t seem to exist as there’s no clear signage to lead the way. Once inside, the space is warm and hospitable with a wide range of cocktails sporting names like “Boi Bye” and “The Man I Forgot I Loved.”

3. Harold Black

This 1920s-style speakeasy above Acqua Al 2 in Eastern Market is super hush-hush— drinkers have to know it's there. There's seating for around 30 inside. The menu features light fare like charcuterie and sweets like cheesecake.

4. Dram and Grain

Some walk-in traffic is welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays (first come, first serve), but the best way to claim one of the 20 seats at Jack Rose's underground cocktail haven is to work the phones (202-607-1572) and book a reservation. Each seating time is limited to two-and-a-half hours.

5. Denson Liquor Bar

Across the street from a fire station, one is able to find an old-school cocktail bar tucked away in the lower level of 600 F Street NW. The dimly lit, intimate space offers an array of whiskies and cocktails that are either shaken or stirred. Expect prices at or around $14.
It opens at 4:30 p.m.. Monday through Saturday, with a full dinner menu served until 11:30 p.m.; closing times vary.

6. PX

A blue light indicates this iconic Alexandria speakeasy is open for business. Once inside, kick back and allow founder Todd Thrasher and his team of drink gurus to lead a flavorful journey featuring vintage cocktails, seasonal punches, and sparkling surprises. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.

7. Captain Gregory's

804 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Photo: Captain Gregory's

This Alexandria speakeasy has a hidden entrance inside sister restaurant Sugar Shack Donuts. Find the 24-seat space (hint: the door is covered by wooden paneling) but expect to only be able to stay for a couple of hours. Reservations can be made ahead of time for up to six people on OpenTable; walk-ins often end up on a wait list and are contacted when a table opens up.

8. Elixir Bar

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Photo: Elixir Bar

Located within Barrel on Capitol Hill, this serious cocktail destination prides itself on being a speakeasy without the hurdles or hassles. Find drinks priced in the $12-$14 range. It opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and at 10:30 a.m. on weekends.

9. Reading Room at Petworth Citizen

Bring a book to this weekend gathering, where bartender Chantal Tseng creates beverages inspired by featured authors and literary themes. Recent offerings include the sherry-, vermouth-, and orange oil-laced Alfonsa’s Manipulation inspired by Cormac McCarthy’s The Border Trilogy, and Sal’s Aunt, a gin-fueled tipple inspired by Jack Kerouac’s On The Road.

10. Backroom at Capo Deli

715 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

When the red light is on, the Backroom bar is open. Photo by Kim T. / Yelp

See a bright red light above the door to a faux walk-in freezer at Capo Deli? That means the invite-only Backroom bar is doing its thing. Food orders are filled by the companion deli, while cocktail offerings include signature offerings such as the coffee liqueur-, melon- and brown sugar-fueled Blue Mountain Bell.

11. Left Door

Even those familiar with Logan Circle may have missed this sliver-sized bar specializing in cocktails such as the "Lola Sour" (campari, tequila, volcanic sea salt), and "Release the Kraken!" (tequila, lemon, honey).

12. Chicken and Whiskey

“Hidden” behind a fake freezer door, customers can enjoy one of the many choice whiskies served inside the 50 person bar after 5 p.m. Prices range from $7 for a pour of Evan Williams Black to $28 for a Glen Scotia Victoriana single malt.

13. The Alex

Hidden beneath Georgetown’s Graham hotel, this swanky enclosure is only accessible by a typed code, given to guests upon arriving for their reservation. Live jazz fills the air on weekends, while bartenders whip up drinks including gin-and-tonics served in tiny porcelain bathtubs, sake-vodka coolers, and a cure-all ginger/honey/Scotch concoction dubbed "Penicillin."